My Heater Will Not Work


by Troy Dobson - Date: 2007-01-31 - Word Count: 502 Share This!

You have no heat and you have no idea why you just know the furnace is not lighting. In one of my other articles I told you about how important the thermocouple is to the standing pilot furnace.

In this article I would like to talk about another type of heater igniter the direct spark ignition. I will explain the function of it and try to help you understand what you can do to help yourself when it comes to repairing this igniter.

There are steps that each heating system follows called sequence of operation, the operation of a direct spark system as follows.

1. A call for heat is created by the thermostat.

2. The small fan (induced draft motor) will start.

3. A signal is received by the ignition module.

4. Voltage is applied from the ignition module to the sparker (a ticking sound may be heard) causing the burners to light.

5. Within less then a minute the blower or fan should start to turn sending warm air in to the home.

The spark ignition is just that, a small spark is used to light the pilot light or the burner depending on the system. There will be a white box or module mounted in side the unit with several small gauge wires attached to it. There will be a thicker wire amongst all the rest it will be attached to a steel rod. Like a spark plug in your car a spark is generated between the rod and another metal surface.

The rod can become dirty and may need to be cleaned, but it is rare that it is the reason for the furnace failing to light and supply heat to your home. What my happen is the thick wire that connects the igniter rod to the ignition module may become loose or disconnected all together. It is a lot like a spark plug wire so it may become dry and crack so it will not carry the electrical charge to the rod. The wire will need to be replaced and can be found at your local appliance parts store.

The ignition module can and will fail for any reason it chooses. If you follow the steps and find that there is no ticking sound coming from the area of the sparker rod then it is a safe bet that you have a bad module and while you can if you choose fix it your self it may be a good time to call a local repair company. The technician will have experience with your equipment and be able to diagnosis and repair the problem quickly.

One other item that should be red flag to a bigger problem, that would require a service technician, would be, if when you call for heat from the thermostat, this is depending on the type of heater you have, that the inducer motor does not start up. Make sure that you check to see if you have power at the heater. Once you have determined that, then you should call a service technician.


Related Tags: repair, maintenance, home, heater, home repair, home maintenance, spark ignition, igniter

Whether you are a new home owner or long time owner you can find this tip and many others to help you do your own home maintenance and repairs. At least when you hire some one you will have good information about what they are supposed to be doing. http://www.homemaintenance.getaliving.net

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